What should I be looking for when recruiting an interpreter?
The type of interpreter you are looking for will depend on what work situation you need them for.

Interpreters are usually recruited for a certain type of interpreting, and will use different techniques according to the situation. You should bear in mind that, for many jobs, you will require a pair of interpreters, particularly for long or intensive meetings.

Consecutive interpreting is when the interpreter translates or summarises (in total or in sections) after each of the speakers’ contributions to a conversation. It is appropriate for one-to-one and small informal group interpreting and requires no specialised equipment. It is a relatively slow process, since all contributions to the conversation are repeated in real time.

Simultaneous interpreting is when the interpreter’s version is delivered almost at the same time as the original source, with a delay only as long as it takes for the interpreter to digest the meaning of the source. This is the favoured technique for all formal meetings, since it all but eliminates time lag. It does however require the use of audio equipment and requires an interpreter to be experienced in this type of work.

Another version of simultaneous interpreting is ‘whispered interpreting’ whereby the interpreter keeps a member of a group or audience whose main language they do not know abreast of what is going on in a meeting, lecture or other environment, such as a courtroom. This does not require audio equipment.

In simultaneous interpreting, it is normal practice for an interpreter to interpret from a language which is foreign to them, or at least not their mother tongue, into their mother tongue. In this way, their understanding of meaning in the source language will be rendered in the language in which they are most skilful. In consecutive interpreting, the interpreter may work only into their native language, or they may work between their two working languages, depending on the job.

What kind of interpreting do I need my interpreter to do?

Business interpreting enables you and a foreign counterpart or customer to sustain a conversation, in a social or business context. This will often be carried out using the consecutive interpreting technique and there will usually be time to dwell, with the help of the interpreter, on points needing clarification.

A business interpreter preferably will understand the occupational context of your meeting and have the experience, if required, to operate under difficult conditions, e.g. in a noisy workshop. However, to get the best out of your interpreter, you should brief them fully in advance of any social or business meeting to ensure can be properly prepared.

Interpreting is extremely demanding work and it is normal for a client to engage two interpreters for a full day’s service. Business interpreters are normally paid by the day or half-day. Engage your interpreters well in advance in order to ensure availability and allow briefing time.

Public service interpreting can be carried out along similar lines to business interpreting, but applies, as its name suggests, to communication between members of the public and such public services as the police, social services, the legal and medical professions and a variety of local government functions. Interpreters may charge by the hour, with a minimum fee, especially for work at short notice or during antisocial hours. Although it may not always be possible, public service interpreters should also be briefed in advance as much as possible e.g. for court cases, benefit hearings or medical appointments.

Conference interpreting enables all members of a formal meeting of conference to follow and contribute to the proceedings in their own language. It implies simultaneous interpreting (in some cultures also called ‘simultaneous translation’) and the use of microphones and headphones. In purpose-built venues, there are normally sound-proof booths from which the interpreters can operate with the minimum of distraction.

This is a very intensive form of interpreting and interpreters should take a break every 30 minutes. The engagement of conference interpreters needs to be planned for well in advance.